Red Chillies Challenges Sameer Wankhede’s Delhi HC Plea on Satire in ‘Ba***ds of Bollywood’

Details of the Defamation Claim

Red Chillies argues that Wankhede’s claim is constructed poorly and insists that the Delhi High Court does not have the appropriate jurisdiction in this case. They highlight that both Wankhede and Netflix, the principal defendants, are based in Mumbai.

Wankhede’s assertion of an “unblemished record” is questioned by Red Chillies, given a recent CBI FIR against him related to accusations of extortion and corruption. The response emphasizes that this undermines his claims of a sterling reputation.

Moreover, Red Chillies reveals that Wankhede was already subjected to public scrutiny before the series aired, making any alleged reputational damage from the show questionable.

The firm maintains that *The Ba***ds of Bollywood* serves as a satirical commentary on the film industry, tackling themes like nepotism and celebrity scandals. They argue that satirical works are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The response notes that a scene criticized by Wankhede—briefly showcasing an overenthusiastic officer—does not contain any explicit defamatory language regarding him.

Red Chillies cites precedent cases, warning that pre-trial injunctions in defamation suits serve as an infringement on free speech. As they put it, “Satire often involves harsh criticism and is not meant to tarnish reputations.” Only a trial can determine whether commentary is satirical or malicious.

Wankhede, as a public official, is expected to endure public examination, states Red Chillies. They assert, “Public figures should be resilient to scrutiny; those under official investigation shouldn’t claim undue protection from satire.”

The production company concludes that Wankhede’s request is an effort to suppress legitimate artistic expression and should be dismissed due to its hypersensitive nature.

Impact of Removing the Scene

The production firm articulates that removing the scene in question would disrupt the overall narrative of the series, which has been available on Netflix since September 18, 2025. They argue that any harm caused to Wankhede could be addressed through monetary compensation, while an injunction could severely limit creative freedom and set a concerning precedent.

The Delhi High Court has instructed all involved parties to submit written arguments and has scheduled a hearing for November 10, with Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav presiding. Previously, the court issued a summons to Netflix, Red Chillies, and other parties regarding Wankhede’s plea for a permanent injunction along with demands for ₹2 crore in damages related to alleged defamation.